How to Create SMS Templates

SMS templates save time and ensure consistent messaging across your campaigns. Create templates for common use cases and customize them with personalization tokens.

The Template Manager with templates organized by category

What you'll need

• Admin or Manager role on the campaign

• Understanding of SMS character limits

• Compliance-approved messaging

Creating a Template

Open Template Manager

Go to Text Bank → Templates and click Create Template.

Name Your Template

Use a clear, searchable name like "GOTV Reminder", "Donation Thank You", or "Event RSVP".

Select Category

Organize templates by purpose:

• GOTV / Turnout

• Fundraising

• Events

• Volunteer

• General

Write Your Message

Compose the template text, keeping in mind the 160-character limit for a single SMS segment.

Compose templates with personalization tokens and character counting

Using Personalization Tokens

Make messages feel personal with merge fields:

Token

Inserts

Example

{first_name}

Contact's first name

"Hi {first_name}" → "Hi Sarah"

{last_name}

Contact's last name

"The {last_name} family" → "The Johnson family"

{precinct}

Voting precinct

"Your polling place in {precinct}"

{polling_location}

Polling address

"Vote at {polling_location}"

Fallback Values

Set fallback text for missing data: {first_name|neighbor} shows "neighbor" if no first name is available.

Template Best Practices

Keep It Short

Aim for under 160 characters when possible. Shorter messages have higher read and response rates.

Clear Call to Action

Every message should have one clear ask:

• "Reply YES to volunteer"

• "Click here to donate"

• "RSVP at this link"

Be Conversational

Write like you're texting a friend, not sending a formal letter. Use contractions and natural language.

Test Before Sending

Always send a test to yourself to check formatting and personalization.

Example Templates

GOTV Reminder

"Hi {first_name}! Election Day is tomorrow. Your polling place is {polling_location}. Make a plan to vote and bring a friend! Reply STOP to opt out."

Event Reminder

"{first_name}, don't forget the rally tonight at 6pm! 123 Main St. See you there? Reply YES if you're coming. Reply STOP to opt out."

Fundraising Ask

"Hi {first_name}, can you chip in $10 before midnight? We're $500 from our goal. Donate: [link] Thank you! Reply STOP to opt out."

Browse and customize example templates for common campaign needs

Always Include Opt-Out

Every template must include opt-out instructions. Pulsar can add this automatically, or you can write it into your template.

Next Steps

• How to Create an SMS Campaign

• Setting Up Keyword Automation

• Understanding SMS Compliance